Loss of metallic elements associated with ash disposal and social impacts

Economic, environmental and health-related impacts are discussed concerning the loss of metallic elements associated with the disposal of ash. Municipal solid waste incineration ash (MSWA), thermal power station coal ash (PSA), and sludge incineration ash from wastewater treatment facilities (WTSA) were selected as representatives of ash, due to the large amounts of them commonly generated. In the process of treatment and disposal of waste material, recycling (recycling and recovery) has been recommended and a consensus on their performances has also recently evolved. However, waste treatment in Japan is not presently elaborate enough when the total social impact is considered because metallic element recovery from waste such as ash is not taken into account. The total amounts of metallic elements in the ash were estimated. It was found that recovery of metallic elements from ash by final stage recycling could have reached approximately 30%, 22% and 45% of the aluminium, lead and zinc, respectively, that were recycled by front stage recycling. The importance of the recognition of metallic element recovery from ash is pointed out in order to pursue a better recycling system, which would further reduce the impact on the environment and human beings. Copyright (C) 1997 Elsevier Science B.V.